Who We Are
Celebrating 53 Years of Excellence in Journalism
The Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame honors men and women who have made outstanding contributions to journalism in Oklahoma, the United States and worldwide. Each year since 1971, the hall of fame has recognized Oklahoma natives who have at least 10 years of outstanding journalism service or journalists who have both service in Oklahoma and/or at least 10 years or more elsewhere.
50 Years of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame
Our Greatest Journalists
From the assassination of John F. Kennedy and Watergate to the Penn Square Bank collapse and the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City, these are the stories of how the members of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame embody the pioneering spirit in their own lives.
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Oklahoma Jouralism Hall of Fame
Our Director
Joe Hight
Director, Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame
In times of rapid change and constant controversy, the hall of fame is more important than ever. It emphasizes the proud role and importance of a free press as a vital and consistent part of our country’s First Amendment freedoms.
The hall of fame honors journalists who have dedicated their lives to excellence in serving the citizens of our state and country.
This website is designed to enhance that purpose by providing instant access to information on the hall of fame, its rich history contained in the biographies of all members, as well as an online form for nominating possible future members. Be sure to browse through this virtual hall of fame and contact us for suggestions and comments. We hope you’ll visit the actual hall of fame on the third floor of UCO’s Nigh University Center.
Be sure to browse through this virtual hall of fame and contact us for suggestions and comments. We hope you’ll visit the actual hall of fame on the third floor of the UCO’s Nigh University Center.
2016 – Present
Joe Hight
Inducted 2013
1995 – 2016
Terry Clark
Inducted 2000
1980 – 1995
Dennie Hall
Inducted 1999
1971 – 1980
Dr. Ray Tassin
Inducted 2013
Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame
Our Executive Committee
Billie Rodely
Billie Rodely began her career covering small town politics and other news for WIOU radio in Kokomo, Indiana after graduation with a BA from Valparaiso University in 1978. She also worked at KFKF radio in Kansas City before coming …
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Jennifer Gilliland
Jennifer Gilliland began work at the Oklahoma Press Association in 1984, and began serving as editor of The Oklahoma Publisher in 1990. A native of Mangum, she attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University before working …
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Lindel G. Hutson
Lindel G. Hutson joined The Associated Press in Little Rock in 1972 as reporter and editor. He began his journalism career at the Jonesboro Sun in Arkansas while earning a journalism degree at Arkansas State University.
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Ralph Schaefer
Ralph Schaefer began his community newspaper career at the El Reno Daily Tribune in 1969 after graduating from UCO. In 1973 he joined Retherford Publications as associate editor for Southeast News, Tulsa County News …
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John Durkee
With more than 40 years of radio news experience, John Durkee has been the dean of Tulsa’s radio news scene since 1989 when he joined KRMG, becoming news director in 1991. He was among the first to report on mine tailings pollution at Tar Creek, working with Congressman Mike Synar…
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Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame
Our Selection Committee
Honorees are selected by a committee comprised of hall of fame members, including its director, and distinguished leaders in journalism. The Selection Committee considers all nominations, both new ones and those held over from previous years, before selecting the honorees. The Selection Committee also has the discretion every year to select a Lifetime Achievement Award winner to an outstanding supporter of or contribution to journalism excellence in this state and country. The winner may or may have been nominated to the hall of fame.
2024 submission deadline is Tuesday, October 31, 2023.
Member
Jennifer Gilliland
Inducted 2006
Member
Joe Hight
Inducted 2013
Member
Carla Hinton
Inducted 2017
Member
Barbara Hoberock
Inducted 2018
Member
Lindel G. Hutson
Inducted 2008
Member
Billie Rodely
Inducted 2004
Member
Ralph Schaefer
Inducted 2017
Member
Mark Thomas
Inducted 2007
Member
Terri Watkins
Inducted 2005
Member
John Durkee
Inducted 2017
Member
Vance Harrison
President and CEO of the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters